Trade Finance

Trade finance to keep your customer orders and supply chain moving

Whether you source stock or materials from overseas or right here in Australia, Earlypay Trade Finance helps fund approved supplier purchases without tying up your own working capital.


Available exclusively alongside Earlypay Invoice Finance, Trade Finance helps you pay suppliers, while Invoice Finance unlocks cash from your customer invoices.


Together, they help bridge the cash flow gap from purchasing goods through to receiving payment from customers.

Increase your business potential

Managing your cash flow effectively is the key to healthy business growth. Earlypay Trade and Invoice Finance provide the financial tools to help businesses cover cash flow gaps for smoother operation and better financial flexibility. See how our cash flow solution can help your business grow, and thrive:

  • More flexible than traditional funding

    Earlypay Trade Finance works alongside Invoice Finance to support more of your business's working capital needs. Both facilities can be assessed together, helping simplify the application process and reduce duplication.

  • Finance for big or small purchases

    From major purchases to small orders, our Trade and Invoice Finance lets you buy the stock and supplies you need when you need it, get it shipped to you, and sold on quickly. So no more supply chain delays and running out of stock to sell because you’re waiting on customer payments!

  • Increased buying power

    Paying your suppliers promptly is good for business and maintaining relationships. Earlypay Trade Finance pays your suppliers up front so they know you’re a reliable, and valuable, customer. This can unlock substantial savings and discounts for you. And with ongoing access to cash as soon as your customer invoices are issued, you can keep on buying from them.

  • Risk mitigation

    Trade Finance helps reduce the cash flow pressures associated with paying suppliers before receiving payment from customers. By providing funding for approved supplier purchases, it can help businesses maintain stock levels, fulfil orders and reduce the risk of disruptions caused by cash flow shortages.

  • Complete cash gap coverage

    Earlypay Trade's comprehensive Trade Finance services work in conjunction with Invoice Financing to provide you with a cash flow buffer at every stage of the sales cycle. It’s got you covered right through from ordering materials to receiving payment from your customers.

Who benefits from Trade Finance?

We customise our Trade Finance solutions so they’re a perfect fit for industries like wholesale, manufacturing, and retail, or any business that:

  • Imports or purchases goods in Australia
  • Experiences seasonal fluctuations in demand
  • Has upfront payment terms from suppliers
  • Wants to improve their cash flow management

Why choose Earlypay?

There are many reasons to bring Earlypay on board to help grow your business. We offer:

  • Commercial expertise

    Our focus is on the quality and turnover of your customer invoices so we can support businesses traditional lenders often overlook.

  • Dedicated support

    Our team of financial experts understand your business needs and will work to provide customised solutions to suit your business.

  • Integrated Solutions

    Trade Finance is available exclusively alongside Earlypay Invoice Finance, helping you fund supplier purchases and unlock cash from customer invoices through one lender.

Boost your working capital with Trade Finance to increase supply chain efficiency.

Reduce your cash flow gap with a powerful Invoice and Trade Finance solution. Take on new orders, and meet customer demand confidently, knowing you have the working capital to keep your supply chain moving.

A combined Invoice and Trade Finance solution shrinks the gap between paying for stock or raw materials and getting paid for goods you’ve sold. It provides the funds you need up front to purchase more stock without waiting on customer payments.

Instead of struggling with cash flow constraints, you can:

  • Maintain steady operations,
  • Take advantage of supplier discounts, and
  • Optimise your purchasing cycles to ensure your business stays responsive and ready for growth.

What is Trade Finance?

Trade finance is a flexible, practical solution that supports your business growth. It provides up front funding so you can keep ordering stock and take on larger orders, attract new customers, and ultimately grow your sales.

With this type of financial flexibility at your fingertips, you can pay your suppliers earlier, lock-in forward pricing and better deals, and plan in advance with confidence.

How it works

Earlypay Trade integrates with our Invoice Finance product to create a self-sustaining cash flow cycle. You sell a product, and when you raise an invoice for the sale through your accounting software, the Invoice Finance facility kicks in and pays down your Trade Finance facility. The Invoice Finance facility is then repaid when your customer pays their invoice.

This system provides you with ongoing working capital without having to wait for your customers to settle their invoices. It’s a streamlined financial structure that keeps your cash flow steady and

  • Eliminates purchasing delays
  • Facilitates prompt order fulfilment, and
  • Maintains good supplier relationships

With your Trade and Invoice Finance systems working seamlessly together, your business can scale efficiently without the limitations imposed by traditional lending. You have the financial support you need to operate with confidence and stability. You can more effectively manage seasonal demand fluctuations, expand into new markets, and strengthen supplier partnerships.

How does Trade Finance work with Invoice Finance?

  1. 01

    Order from your supplier

    With your approved suppliers and credit limit in place, you’re able to order goods and materials when you need them.

  2. 02

    Earlypay pays your supplier

    Once your supplier and purchase have been approved, Earlypay pays your supplier directly.

  3. 03

    Utilise the delivered supplies.

    Whether the delivered items are finished goods or raw materials to be used in your production process, you can get on with meeting customer orders or building up your inventory.

  4. 04

    Issue invoices to your customers as you sell goods.

    As you raise invoices for the sale of goods, your Invoice Finance facility comes into effect, advancing you funds on your outstanding customer invoice. These funds are automatically used to repay (or paydown) the Trade Finance.

  5. 05

    Your customers pay their invoices.

    As your customers settle their invoices as per your standard credit terms, your invoice finance facility is paid down, completing the cycle.

  6. 06

    Funds are released to you.

    Once your Invoice Finance facility is repaid, any remaining cash is released to you, minus any interest or fees. This integrated approach to business finance helps your business maintain a healthy cash flow. You can take on larger orders and new clients without financial strain.

Is Trade Finance right for me?

If you purchase goods or raw materials for business purposes, Trade Finance might be the cash flow solution you’re looking for. 

If you satisfy the basic requirements below, we'd love to hear from you.

  • You have an ABN
  • You have outsanding invoices with other Australian businesses
  • You invoice your customers after the goods have been delivered
  • Your business has been established for at least 3 years, with a consistent trading history
  • You are using, or looking to establish, an Earlypay Invoice Finance facility.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about what Trade Finance is

What is Trade financing?

Trade Financing is a business line of credit that is used to fund the purchase of goods from suppliers, whether they’re local or overseas.

Linked to your Invoice Financing facility, Trade Finance bridges the cash flow gap between when you pay your suppliers and when you receive the payments from your clients.

How can Trade Financing benefit my business?

Trade Financing provides a simple solution to help you smooth out the cash flow curves in your business. While bridging the cash flow gap is a major reason many businesses decide to use Trade Financing, it also has other advantages.

  • Up to 100% advance rate with up to 180 days of funding
  • Risk Mitigation: Trade Financing helps to minimise the payment and supply risk involved by ensuring suppliers are paid quickly.
  • Early payment discounts: Having cash immediately available allows your business to take advantage of the early payment discounts your suppliers are offering.
  • No real estate security: As Trade Finance is offered in conjunction with Invoice Financing, your outstanding invoices are used as the security – not your family home.
Questions about how Trade Financing works

How does Trade Financing work?

Here’s how a typical Trade Financing arrangement works:

  • Apply online and if you’re successful, we’ll approve you and give you a facility limit.
  • Place an order with your supplier (domestic or offshore).
  • Present a draw down request for Earlypay to pay your supplier.
  • Earlypay makes the payment to the supplier.
  • The goods are shipped and delivered.
  • Your business repays the Trade Finance transaction through the Invoice Finance facility with Earlypay.

Our Trade Finance solutions are flexible and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your business.

Who can use Trade Financing?

Our Trade Finance services can be used by businesses that import goods to sell to other businesses.

We can fund the purchase of non-perishable* goods that are ready for market or require simple modifications/assembly.

*Perishable goods will be considered where there is a strong case (e.g. track record, additional security etc)

Which countries can I import goods from?

Trade Financing can be used to pay for goods imported from almost any country, including Australia.

What security is required for Trade Financing with Earlypay?

We don’t use your real estate or personal assets as security to offer you finance. Our Trade Financing is offered in conjunction with our Invoice Financing.

What currencies are available?

We can pay suppliers in multiple currencies.

How much does Trade Financing costs?

The cost of our Trade finance services depends on the type and duration of the facility and the services you require.

Do I need to pay any deposit before any payment is made?

No. We pay 100% of your supplier’s invoice. You can then pay it back to us based on the agreed terms.

You can choose to pay part or full amount of finance early and there will be no penalty or fees. You will only be charged interest for the period the loan was outstanding.

Questions about eligibility for Trade Financing

Can I use Trade Financing if I have debt with other lenders?

Yes. We are mainly concerned with having security against your accounts receivable and can work alongside other lenders.

Can you help if my business has ATO tax debt?

Yes, if there is a debt, and a repayment plan is in place with the ATO.

Questions about applying for Trade Financing

How do I apply for Trade Financing?

Applying for Trade Financing with Earlypay is a quick and easy online process. Simply click the sign-up button above, complete some basic details to get started and an Earlypay representative will contact you ASAP.

How long will it take for my finance to be approved?

We aim to let you know within 24 hours if your finance has been approved or not.

How long will it take to receive funding?

We aim to make funds available within 24 hours of approving your finance.

Still have questions? Talk to a finance expert today.

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Unlock your business potential with Earlypay's Trade Finance solutions. Contact our friendly team of experts to discuss how we can support your growth and help you maintain a strong supply chain.

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